AS digital transformation rapidly reshapes global industries, a crucial challenge emerges within education: equipping teachers with the skills necessary to harness generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) effectively in their classrooms.
According to Vanderbilt University senior advisor to the Chancellor on GenAI and professor of computer science, Dr Jules White, GenAI could be used to foster digital literacy among teachers and create a foundation for a future-ready workforce.
GENERATIVE AI REVOLUTION IN EDUCATION
GenAI has brought transformative capabilities within reach, enabling even everyday tasks that were once unimaginable.
"You can take a picture of your meal, ask ChatGPT for a recipe, or upload a financial proposal and receive critical feedback that would traditionally require extensive expertise," said White.
"These advancements have fundamentally changed our interaction with technology."
However, he believes that educational institutions are playing catch-up. When ChatGPT was launched, the world suddenly had to grapple with the steep learning curve of digital literacy. "Instead of viewing GenAI as a tool for innovation, many schools are fixated on preventing student cheating. We missed the chance to teach students and teachers how to leverage these capabilities creatively and constructively," said White.
SHIFTING THE FOCUS
One of the key hurdles for integrating AI into education is the lack of tailored resources. "Educational materials are often either too technical or overly simplistic," said White. "We don't need to teach students how to build AI models from scratch; we need to show them how to use these tools thoughtfully," he said. "It's like learning to drive a car instead of being taught how to build an engine."
EQUIPPING TEACHERS WITH AI SKILLS
White proposed a shift in how we use GenAI in the classroom. Rather than viewing it as a tool for quick answers, he suggested using it as a catalyst for deeper exploration. For example, "Ask ChatGPT for different methods of solving a problem, then critically evaluate each approach. Or, after reviewing a meeting transcript, ask it to identify questions that should have been addressed. This type of interaction promotes thoughtful engagement and encourages critical thinking."
This approach is the basis of his course, Generative AI for Kids, Parents and Teachers, which teaches how to use AI as a tool to augment — rather than replace — human skills. "Think of GenAI as an exoskeleton for the mind. We want students and teachers to use it to amplify their abilities, not to shortcut their learning process," he said.
ON-DEMAND LEARNING TOOL
One of GenAI's greatest strengths is its ability to provide private, non-judgmental support to students.
"In classrooms, students often hesitate to ask questions for fear of embarrassment. GenAI allows them to explore topics independently and clarify misunderstandings without that fear," said White. Beyond the classroom, he envisioned GenAI as a lifelong learning tool. "Imagine standing in front of unfamiliar equipment and being able to access step-by-step instructions on your phone. Or, in a business context, receiving on-demand information about a potential client before a meeting.
"This technology offers an 'operator' at our fingertips, bridging gaps in knowledge whenever and wherever it's needed," he added.
GenAI can also help students with personalised learning. "It can adjust explanations to suit individual understanding, translating complex ideas into familiar metaphors," he said.
ALIGNING WITH MALAYSIA'S AI LEARNING GOALS
Malaysia aims to integrate AI learning into primary schools by 2027, and White's course aligns well with these digital education goals. Surprisingly, he suggests moving away from coding as a primary digital skill.
"Today, my 10-year-old son can create inventory management software for his Pokemon cards with a single prompt, something that once required extensive coding knowledge," he said.
"This is the power of prompt engineering. Digital education should now focus on teaching students how to engage with GenAI as an interface to computing."
The course also emphasises the importance of critical skills like fact-checking. "GenAI models, like humans, make mistakes. Teaching students to verify information through activities, like cross-referencing world records, is essential for developing discerning digital citizens."
EMPOWERING TEACHERS
White compares the current adoption of GenAI to giving a smartphone to someone from the 1950s.
"They might figure out basic functions, but would miss its transformative potential without guidance.
"GenAI is similar. Without structured training, people treat it like a search engine, missing its potential to reshape creativity and problem-solving," he said.
In White's view, GenAI isn't here to replace teachers; it's here to help them provide a more personalised learning experience. "As class sizes grow, individualised teaching becomes challenging. GenAI can bridge
that gap, offering tailored resources and support outside of classroom hours."
In the long run, he envisioned
GenAI as an "educational superpower" that allows teachers to focus on creative problem-solving and critical thinking.